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Friday, February 24, 2012

{Guest Post} Grow: Strength and Joy

This post comes courtesy of my very own mother. She is such an amazing spiritual mentor for me, and I am happy to share her words of wisdom with you. I hope you enjoy!

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. ~ Nehemiah 8:10

In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33The Bible reminds me that the devil is the accuser of the brethren. This lets me know that regardless of how well I parent my children, the devil will be on the sidelines finding something to criticize. He attempts to bombard me with thoughts about my inadequacies so that I will lose my joy and feel weak and defeated.

In every season of parenting, there is much to learn, yet God never intended for me to raise my children without His help. He has provided His word to equip both me and my children for every good work!{Dear Father, thank you for the blessing of being a mother. Keep me "suited up and showing up" for my life. Thank you for reminding me to change my focus and to stop listening to the lies of the devil. I pray to keep your empowering Word before me in this day. I pray to live in truth and not in lack, fear, or worry. In spite of the circumstances of life, please keep me focused on the fact that You are here--beside me, forever! With your help, I will fill up with truth and live this day in joy. Thank you for the victories to come. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.}For your journal:

God has placed us in this world, but He expects us to abide in Him. What things could you do to have more quality time apart with the Lord?

For many people, this is a period of fasting. What do you know about fasting? Research what the Bible says and write about it. Have you considered having a day of fasting for some over-whelming concern in your life at this time?

What things bring a sense of "the joy of the Lord" in your life? When did you last include these things in your day?

In Him,

Pat

My mom has instilled in me the love and appreciation for journaling every day. I find that when I write it down, I really am able to think clearly. It's as if putting it down on paper arranges things straight in my head. If you have never started a journal, think about starting one. And whether you write responses to my mom's bullet points in a journal or not, which question are you willing to answer today?